What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Development and Corporate Partnerships, Northwest Indiana position at Big Shoulders Fund?
Job Title : Director of Development & Corporate Partnerships, Northwest Indiana
Reports to : Executive Director, Big Shoulders Fund Northwest Indiana
Date : Winter 2025
Big Shoulders Fund
Big Shoulders Fund is an independent tax-exempt charitable organization that provides support to schools with demonstrated need which provide a quality, values-based education for children. We serve 25,000 students and 92 schools in the Chicago and Northwest Indiana regions. Each school is a vital community-based organization and an anchor to its surrounding neighborhoods.
For thirty-eight years, Big Shoulders Fund has helped Chicago’s children achieve their dreams through access to high quality education. Of the students we serve, 83% identify as people of color and 69% reside in low-income households. We expand access and outcomes by investing more than $40 million annually in scholarship support and enrichment programming for students; operational improvements for schools; cultivation of talent pipelines for school personnel from new teachers through veteran principals; and professional development support for educators and leaders – all with the goal of strengthening schools and whole communities, while preparing students for life-long success. To that end, 80% of scholars matriculate to college and students earn a degree at two times the national average. Latino and Black scholars graduate at three-times and four-times their counterparts, respectively, and graduates go on to vote, contribute, and participate at greater rates than local and national outcomes.
Big Shoulders Fund has earned a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest evaluator of nonprofits, for 18 consecutive years.
In 2019, Big Shoulders Fund began an exciting new chapter in Northwest Indiana by making a long-term commitment to The Region. Since then, we have brought our unique approach to building the capacity of local school communities to best serve students and families of Northwest Indiana, with focus on areas of greatest need : Gary, Hammond and East Chicago. The long-term goals of our efforts include elevating the quality of values-based schools in Northwest Indiana through : academic investments, instructional and data coaching; marketing and outreach efforts; and enrichment and summer programs to expand opportunities for students. While some roles on our staff focus exclusively on Northwest Indiana or Chicago, all Big Shoulders Fund team members contribute to the success of our work across both sites.
Big Shoulders Fund Northwest Indiana supports over 6,000 students and 20 schools in the Catholic Diocese of Gary. Since expanding to the Region in 2019, we have provided scholarships, operational support, educational programs, and professional development for teachers and administrators aimed at improving academic outcomes.
In 2024, Big Shoulders Fund received a gift of $150 million to invest in initiatives that aim to improve the quality, accessibility, and sustainability of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Gary. This is the largest single investment in PreK-12 Catholic education in history, signifying strong support and belief in the efficacy of Indiana educational support systems, like the Indiana Choice Scholarship.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Director of Development & Corporate Partnerships, Northwest Indiana plays a pivotal role in advancing the mission of Big Shoulders Fund in Northwest Indiana. Reporting to the Executive Director of Big Shoulders Fund, Northwest Indiana and collaborating closely with the Chief Advancement and Development Officer, the Director will develop and execute a comprehensive annual development plan focusing on corporate partnerships, individual donor cultivation, and stewardship. This position fosters donor relationships to support philanthropic goals of Big Shoulders Fund Northwest Indiana.
The Director will help support and drive the vision for corporate partnerships, volunteer engagement, and donor stewardship for Big Shoulders Fund Northwest Indiana, ensuring alignment with Big Shoulders Fund’s mission. The role requires a strong background in volunteer team and next generation board management, event planning, donor relations, supporter base growth, and strategic relationship cultivation. The Director will manage impact reporting, data analysis, and communications to enhance donor engagement and maximize philanthropic contributions. Attendance at frequent evening networking events is an essential component of the role.
This role represents a unique opportunity to drive impactful change in Northwest Indiana by building and sustaining relationships that support educational opportunities for underserved communities.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Corporate Partnerships
- In partnership with the Executive Director, NWI and Chief Advancement Officer, develop and manage strategic partnerships with corporate entities in Northwest Indiana to advance organizational goals
- Cultivate and steward relationships with existing corporate donors to enhance engagement and increase annual funding
- Identify opportunities for growth, innovation, and improvement in corporate partnerships and workplace giving programs
- Plan, coordinate, and execute corporate service days and volunteer opportunities and events, including scheduling, logistics, volunteer coordination, and event oversight and implementation
Volunteer Engagement and Board Suppor t
Program Management and Cross-Department Collaboration
Individual Donor Cultivation and Stewardship
Other Duties
QUALIFICATIONS
ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS
NOTE : This job description isn't intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization and the students / schools it serves
INTERESTED CANDIDATES : Please send resume and brief statement of interest to Abby Cohen at acohen@bigshouldersfund.org
Salary : $40
